Kayaks and canoes - Dubisa river trip

Dubisa originates from the Žemaičiai Highlands, it is quite easy and not tiresome, but surprising with stones in the current and unexpected rapids, which require great attention. Therefore, for a kayak trip on the Dubisa, we especially recommend polyethylene kayaks and canoes, which are much more resistant to damage than laminated kayaks. On the kayak route, there are many small weirs, but almost no fallen trees. The bottom is clean, sandy or stony, not overgrown; mud or mud is exceptional; the water is clean, quickly warming up and pleasant for bathing, provided there is enough of it, because especially in the upper section, the river is very shallow. Therefore, a kayak trip on the Dubisa is practically possible from the village of Burbaiciai. Dubisa flows through a gorge with steep banks, a very impressive valley with several dozen meters of slopes, so with more abundant rainfall, the water level can rise very quickly. There are only two kayak portages on the entire route, each about a dozen meters long, which, depending on the water level or the adapted kayaks, can be paddled through. The area is basically empty, but popular among vacationers and anglers. Lyduvenai is the only village on the entire route located directly on the river, all other villages are on the highlands. On the banks, there are many fishing spots and mini-campsites; on sunny weekends, almost all of them are used. There are also well-marked agritourism farms and paid campsites. There are many camping sites, both "wild" fields and very well-maintained and well-equipped paid fields, where you can use water, toilet, and sauna. The cost of the kayak trip on the Dubisa is around 8-10 litas per person, and the price includes a campfire. The sauna is an additional expense of about 200 litas per group, and parking for cars is 5 litas per day. On site, there are also several kayak and canoe rentals, but the price is very high and costs around 60 litas per day. The fantastic views stretch from the crown of the slope, so it's worth climbing up a few times! There are historic churches in Lyduvenai (beautiful ceiling), Betygala, Ugionai (Ugiany, once an important sanctuary of the Mother of God; near the church, a spring considered miraculous) and Seredzius. You can shop in Lyduvenai (the only shop you don't have to climb up to!), Betygala, and Ariogala (Ejragoła). The other settlements on the route do not have shops or are significantly distant from the river - both in terms of distance and height.

Kayak trip on the Dubisa 

0.0 km - we put our kayaks in the water and start the trip near the road bridge in the village of Burbaiciai. Beware of the rapids right after the bridge and the stone right next to it! Initially, the route leads through open areas, and from time to time, we come across tree stands.

3.2 km - Rezaliai, a settlement with cottages for rent. Unfortunately, there is no possibility of pitching a tent, only renting rooms. You can order food, but there is no permanent shop or bar. There is a possibility to use the sauna. Further on, the river meanders a lot.

7.0 km - the settlement of Pobrukai, a private campsite, paid, possibility of pitching a tent, using the sauna, and making a campfire. On site, there is also a kayak and canoe rental.

8.6 km - from the left, the mouth of the Gryžuva stream. Sulfur springs, including one that spectacularly bursts upwards.

10.0 km - a road bridge near the village of Maironai, located on the right bank, where you can shop, but it's about 3 km along the road and several dozen meters uphill. On the slope to the left, there is an abandoned settlement of Mostaikiai; there is no shop. A campsite with a gazebo and a place for a campfire under the bridge on the left. Under the bridge, there are rapids.

11.5 km - a place to rest on the right, high and open bank with a place for a campfire and a table. There is supposed to be a campsite built here, financed by the EU. In fact, there are many such places for kayakers along the river.

13.0 km - a campsite on the right bank of the river near the motocross track. The village of Laugalis is several hundred meters away. Further on, the river flows mostly through the forest. 

19.0 km - on the right, a tourist farm Stovyklavietė, after an old mill. The river divides into three branches, with weirs on all of them. An easy, dozen-meter-long kayak portage over the island between the middle and right branches.

23.9 km - we pass under a very high railway bridge in the village of Lyduvenai, which is on the right bank. On the left bank, before the railway bridge, there is a convenient place for camping. At the bridge, you can stop and go shopping or to a bar in the nearby village. There is also a church from the 18th century here. 400 meters further on, we pass under a road bridge. Further on, there are many rapids and several weirs (the first one right after the railway bridge), but without the need to portage kayaks.

30.0 km - we approach the village of Katauskiai, where there are several convenient places for camping. Before the bridge on the left, there is a free campsite with several tables and a place for a campfire.

30.8 km - after the road bridge, a private campsite "Pakalne" on the left bank. There is a possibility of pitching a tent, using the campfire, and leaving cars if you plan to start the trip here. You can also use the sauna and a so-called tub (a wooden barrel with hot water - especially recommended after a cold and windy day of kayaking).

39.7 km - a bridge on road No. 225. Raisinai (Rosień) - the largest town in the area is 11 kilometers away. At the bridge, on the right, there is a bus stop, but hitchhiking is more efficient.

41.5 km - a scout camp on the right bank of the river near the village of Kaulakai. A place worth stopping for the night, if it's not occupied by scouts. Good access by car. On site, there are benches, toilets, volleyball and basketball courts. We take out the kayaks at a sharp turn of the river to the right.

44.5 km - on the left, the mouth of the Lukne river. Dubisa becomes a bit larger, more variable, faster, sometimes dividing into branches. Apparently simple and calm sections suddenly turn into rapids or surprise with stones hidden in the current. This is more or less the case until the Airogala reservoir.

50.7 km - near the Maslaukiškiai farm, a weir that can be jumped over with a good kayak (look first!). Possible kayak portage, rather a dozen-meter-long path over large stones on the right.

52.9 km - a hanging bridge near the left-bank village of Betygala. Below the bridge, the left bank of the river is accessible, with several convenient places for camping for a larger or smaller number of tents. Sandy beaches are good for swimming. In the village, about 1-2 kilometers away, there is a possibility to shop. Not far from the bridge, near the road to Betygala, there is a "Maironisa spring" with good drinking water. In the village, there is a historic church. In the river valley, about a kilometer after the bridge, there is a medieval stronghold. 

54.5 km - on the left bank, a very nice, secluded paid campsite, where you can use the sauna.

58.7 km - a bridge near Ugionai (Ugian). A legendary location of the pagan Lithuania cult center, and later a sanctuary of the Mother of God. A historic church is visible from the river (on the hill, to the left); next to it, a wooden chapel and a spring famous for its miracles.

63.0 km - a weir near the Vandžai farm; you can paddle through (closer to the right), but be sure to look before; possible exit to the right bank.

66.8 km - a reservoir near the village of Ariogala. Tents can be pitched on the left bank, and there is also a possibility to access by car. Paddle, heading slightly to the left; to the right, there is a large bay. 

68.6 km - a bridge on road No. 196.

70.0 km - on the hill to the left, the first buildings of the town of Ariogala (Ejragoła). Possibility of camping on a large meadow. About a kilometer further on, the town's buildings and sports facilities descend to the river.

72.0 km - a bridge on a local road in Ariogala; from here, it's closest to the town center.

75.7 km - a high double bridge on the A1 highway.

79.5 km - the mouth of the Gyneve river (on the left). Dubisa becomes even larger, spreads wider, and aquatic plants appear in the current, somewhat hindering paddling (giant reed, cattail).

82.5 km - a very nice campsite on the left bank with a gazebo and a place for a campfire. The river flows here through a deeply cut valley with very high, wooded slopes. The site can be accessed by dirt roads, but access by car is only possible with a specially adapted vehicle.

83.2 km - near the old mill of Padubysys (agritourism; there are several settlements with this name on this route) a weir; you can paddle through after inspecting it.

91.6 km - a paid campsite on the left bank on a forest clearing in the tourist complex in the village of Zalensai. At the campsite, there is a small dam. Nearby, there is a recreation center and a restaurant. The surroundings are very nice, perfect for walks. In the village, there is a remains of an old water mill. 

92.9 km - another small dam. There is no good path for portaging; you can pull the kayaks through the water (to the right). At high water, it's probably possible to paddle through.

97.5 km - the end of the trip at the road bridge in Seredzius on the right bank, right before the bridge. Good access - possibility of easy pickup of kayaks. 400 meters further on, Dubisa flows into the Niemen.